Make sure all family members have been accounted for and let others know your status.

- Make sure the main electrical switch to your home is off before entering the structure.

- Be careful when entering a structure that has been damaged.

- If you suspect a gas leak, leave immediately and notify the gas company.

- If possible, listen to the radio or contact authorities to find out if sewage lines are intact before turning on the water or using the toilet.

- Report utility damage to the proper authorities.

- Continue to monitor your radio or television for up-to-date emergency information.

INSPECTING THE DAMAGE

Upon returning to dwellings evacuated before the hurricane's arrival, be aware of possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards. Electrical power and natural-gas or propane tanks should be shut off to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions. Try to return to your home during the daytime so you do not have to use any lights. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns or torches.

GAS LEAKS

If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows and leave the house immediately. Notify the gas company, the police, fire department or State Fire Marshal's office and do not turn on the lights, light matches, smoke or do anything that could cause a spark.

Do not return to the house until you are told it is safe to do so.

ELECTRICAL DAMAGE

Your electrical system may have been damaged. If you see frayed wiring or sparks when you restore power or if there is an odor of something burning but no visible fire, you should immediately shut off the electrical system at the main circuit breaker.

You should consult your utility company about using electrical equipment, including power generators.

Be aware that it is against the law and a violation of electrical codes to connect generators to your home's electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator is on line when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard. In addition, the improper connection of a generator to your home's electrical circuits may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area.

FIRE PREVENTION

All electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before returning them to service. It is advisable to have a certified electrician check these items if there is any question.

Several deaths following past hurricanes have occurred due to fires. In many cases, fires were caused by the careless use of candles to light homes without electrical power.

Use battery-powered lanterns, if possible, rather than candles. If you use candles, make sure they are in safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood or other flammable items. Never leave a candle burning when you are out of the room.

DOWNED POWER LINES

If power lines are lying on the ground or dangling near the ground, do not touch the lines.

Notify your utility company as soon as possible that the lines have been damaged or that the power lines are down.

Do not attempt to move or repair the power lines.

DRIVING THROUGH FLOODS

Do not drive through standing water if downed power lines are in the water.

If a power line falls across your car while you are driving, continue to drive away from the line.

If the engine stalls, do not turn off the ignition. Stay in your car and wait for emergency personnel. Do not allow anyone other than emergency personnel to approach your vehicle.

MORE ADVICE

For more advice on this and many other topics, visit the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness's website at http://www.loep.state. la.us/hurricanerelated/hurricaneindex.htm.

<p>As many locals know from past experience, if you evacuate and a storm hits Terrebonne or Lafourche, life may be different when you return home.</p><p>If your area is under a curfew, allow travel time to and from your home.</p><p>Although unusual following a hurricane, crime also can increase. If your area is under martial law, obey all orders by authorities.</p><p>During a hurricane and in the cleanup, injuries occur. To avoid injury, use common sense and wear proper clothing, including clothes with long sleeves and long pants and safety shoes or boots.</p><p>The Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness offers these safety precautions for people returning to storm-stricken communities:</p><p>- Find out if the authorities have declared the area safe.</p><p>- Watch for debris on the road while driving.</p><p>- Return to your pre-determined assembly point or contact your pre-established out-of-area contact person.</p><p>Make sure all family members have been accounted for and let others know your status.</p><p>- Make sure the main electrical switch to your home is off before entering the structure.</p><p>- Be careful when entering a structure that has been damaged.</p><p>- If you suspect a gas leak, leave immediately and notify the gas company.</p><p>- If possible, listen to the radio or contact authorities to find out if sewage lines are intact before turning on the water or using the toilet.</p><p>- Report utility damage to the proper authorities.</p><p>- Continue to monitor your radio or television for up-to-date emergency information.</p><p><b>INSPECTING THE DAMAGE</b></p><p>Upon returning to dwellings evacuated before the hurricane's arrival, be aware of possible structural, electrical or gas-leak hazards. Electrical power and natural-gas or propane tanks should be shut off to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions. Try to return to your home during the daytime so you do not have to use any lights. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns or torches.</p><p><b>GAS LEAKS</b></p><p>If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows and leave the house immediately. Notify the gas company, the police, fire department or State Fire Marshal's office and do not turn on the lights, light matches, smoke or do anything that could cause a spark.</p><p>Do not return to the house until you are told it is safe to do so.</p><p><b>ELECTRICAL DAMAGE</b></p><p>Your electrical system may have been damaged. If you see frayed wiring or sparks when you restore power or if there is an odor of something burning but no visible fire, you should immediately shut off the electrical system at the main circuit breaker.</p><p>You should consult your utility company about using electrical equipment, including power generators.</p><p>Be aware that it is against the law and a violation of electrical codes to connect generators to your home's electrical circuits without the approved, automatic-interrupt devices. If a generator is on line when electrical service is restored, it can become a major fire hazard. In addition, the improper connection of a generator to your home's electrical circuits may endanger line workers helping to restore power in your area.</p><p><b>FIRE PREVENTION</b></p><p>All electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before returning them to service. It is advisable to have a certified electrician check these items if there is any question.</p><p>Several deaths following past hurricanes have occurred due to fires. In many cases, fires were caused by the careless use of candles to light homes without electrical power.</p><p>Use battery-powered lanterns, if possible, rather than candles. If you use candles, make sure they are in safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood or other flammable items. Never leave a candle burning when you are out of the room.</p><p><b>DOWNED POWER LINES</b></p><p>If power lines are lying on the ground or dangling near the ground, do not touch the lines.</p><p>Notify your utility company as soon as possible that the lines have been damaged or that the power lines are down.</p><p>Do not attempt to move or repair the power lines.</p><p><b>DRIVING THROUGH FLOODS</b></p><p>Do not drive through standing water if downed power lines are in the water.</p><p>If a power line falls across your car while you are driving, continue to drive away from the line.</p><p>If the engine stalls, do not turn off the ignition. Stay in your car and wait for emergency personnel. Do not allow anyone other than emergency personnel to approach your vehicle.</p><p><b>MORE ADVICE</b></p><p>For more advice on this and many other topics, visit the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness's website at http://www.loep.state. la.us/hurricanerelated/hurricaneindex.htm.</p>